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The microbial controls of antiseptics and disinfectants by membrane filtration: experimental evaluation of the
1Chair of Microbiology and Hygiene, Institute of Pharmacological Sciences, Milan.
Abstract:
Microbiological investigations made by membrane filtration method on antiseptics and disinfectants demonstrated that the filtering membranes present very frequently a remarkable antimicrobial activity, even after washing with 300 ml of peptone water according to the guidelines of the Pharmacopoeia. The observed phenomena (appearance of inhibition zones, disappearance or decrease of the number of colonies forming units, release of antimicrobial properties to the cultural broths) can seriously diminish the validity of microbiological controls of antiseptics and disinfectants.
Insights
Filtering membranes used for testing antiseptics and disinfectants often show antimicrobial activity. This can invalidate microbiological quality control tests for these essential products.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmaceutical Science
Background:
- Antiseptics and disinfectants are crucial for infection control.
- Microbiological testing ensures the efficacy and safety of these products.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antimicrobial activity of filtering membranes used in microbiological assays.
- To assess the impact of this activity on the reliability of antiseptic and disinfectant testing.
Main Methods:
- Membrane filtration method was employed.
- Filtering membranes were tested for antimicrobial properties after washing with peptone water as per Pharmacopoeia guidelines.
Main Results:
- Filtering membranes frequently exhibited significant antimicrobial activity.
- This activity persisted even after extensive washing.
- Observed phenomena included inhibition zones and reduced colony counts, indicating membrane-derived antimicrobial release.
Conclusions:
- The inherent antimicrobial activity of filtering membranes can compromise the accuracy of microbiological evaluations.
- This finding necessitates a re-evaluation of standard testing protocols for antiseptics and disinfectants.